Where to Stay in Rome: The Best Neighborhoods for First-Time Visitors

Europe, Italy

This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my site! See our privacy policy for more information.

I have been to Rome 3 separate times in my adulthood. As a poor 20-year-old in college, staying at Happy Days Hostel Roma (lol) and eating in main squares (like a dummy). Again in my late 20s, as a more classy individual who actually explored the city out of the historic center. And now, mid 30s at age 29, I feel like I REALLY have a grasp on the city. Not just the historical sights, and I certainly have a handle on Roman food, but now I understand how the city works, its shape, its neighborhoods and how to navigate it like a local.

I’m happy to share with you now everything I’ve learned from my trips to Rome so that you can make informed decisions about where to stay and most importantly where to spend your time when you’re between the sights.

A view from Janiculum Hill in the Gianicolo neighborhood in Rome.
A view of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome with rows of chairs set out before the facade.
The Spanish Steps in Rome with a palm tree in the background.
A dark green door with ivy climbing the wall of a wall in Rome that is rusty and falling apart.

Overview

Rome is divided a couple different ways. The first is: inside the city walls vs outside the city walls. The Aurelian walls were built between 270 and 275 AD and are some of the best preserved historical city walls in the world.

Another way to navigate around Rome is with the river Tiber. The west side of the river is home to the Vatican and the neighborhood Trastevere (which technically are not within the city walls but are still grouped amongst the “ancient Roman sites”), amongst other things. Meanwhile, the east side of the river houses most of the historical monuments and sights.

Rome is known as the city of 7 hills and for context, every hill is on the east side of the river. So while visiting Rome you can use this guide to keep track of where you are in the city within the context of other spots.

The outside of Enzo restaurant in Trastevere one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Rome.
A to go aperol spritz from Enzo restaurant in Trastevere one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Rome.
A cobblestoned street in Trastevere, one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Rome.

A Note About Accommodations: 

Please note: prices listed are estimates based on rates at the time this guide was prepared. They may fluctuate depending on season, demand, and availability, so always check current pricing before booking

Whenever possible, I recommend booking directly through the hotel’s website, this often makes it easier to resolve any issues and ensures the best support. However, if you have loyalty points with a third-party platform (e.g., Hotels.com, Booking.com), booking through them can be worthwhile for perks, upgrades, or rewards.

Trastevere

Now, please don’t be like me and embarrass yourself with the pronunciation on this one. Say it with me: trust-ever-ay. Not trass-ta-veer, like I have been saying for the last decade.

This is the nightlife hub and foodie neighborhood in the city. Located just south of Vatican on the west side of the river there is always something going on within the picturesque streets and alleyways. If you’re visiting in the off season, I would stay here because you will still find the neighborhood to be quite lively. And if the Vatican is on your list (which, let’s be real, it should be), don’t miss my breakdown of the Key Master Tour at the Vatican Museums for a behind-the-scenes look at this iconic spot.

Where to Stay in Trastevere

Ready to Explore? Book Here ↓

Powered by GetYourGuide

Monti

This neighborhood is my new favorite. But don’t judge it for its label as the “hipster” neighborhood. Similar to Trastevere, it is full of gorgeous buildings covered in delicate green vines. It has a close proximity to the shopping district of Via del Corso and to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill. But the best part of this neighborhood is grabbing a drink in Piazza della Madonna dei Monti and admiring the views of the Colosseum from afar while brushing shoulders with the locals. And if you’re planning a bigger Italy trip, I also have a full Trieste itinerary that makes a great pairing with a few days in Rome.

Where to Stay in Monti

A cobblestoned street with palm trees and climbing ivy in the Monti neighborhood.
A view of the colosseum in Rome from the Monti neighborhood.
A narrow street in Rome in the Monti neighborhood with pink tinged buildings.

Historic Center

If it’s your first time in Rome, the historic center is the obvious choice. You’ll be steps from the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps. From here, you can walk almost anywhere, including the Vatican and Villa Borghese. It’s busy, sure, but there’s nothing like being surrounded by centuries of history (and about 130 churches). In this scenario, a neighborhood catered towards tourists is a good thing and this is an obvious choice for any first-timer to Rome.

Hotels in the Historic Center:

St. Peter's Basilica from afar with blue skies and the famous dome in the background.
A neighborhood street in Rome's historic center neighborhood, one of the best to stay in Rome.
Piazza Navona, a grand square in the historic center neighborhood or Rome.
The Trevi Fountain located in the historic center of Rome at night, with the fountain lit up.
The pantheon in the historic center of Rome with latin words on the facade and Roman columns.

Aventine Hill

This is the bougie side of Rome, where apartments cost millions but the streets are calm and leafy. It’s peaceful, tourist-free, and offers some of the best views in the city. Staying here puts you close to the famous Aventine Keyhole (a peek at St. Peter’s through a garden gate) and the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden). Despite the high cost living here, there are a number of well priced accommodations. While the views from Aventine Hill are unbeatable, be aware that transportation to the historic center will take about 15 minutes by car or about 30 minutes on foot.

Hotels on Aventine Hill:

A view of St. Peter's famous dome from the Giardino degli Aranci in Aventine Hill.
A view of Rome from Aventine Hill, one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Rome.
A fountain with a scary face up in Aventine HIll in Rome.

Testaccio

Across the river from Trastevere, Testaccio is where foodies should go. Still under the radar for many tourists, it’s home to a thriving market, authentic Roman trattorias, and piazzas where locals gather late into the night. This is the neighborhood for Cacio e Pepe, Supplì, and evenings that feel like real Rome rather than tourist Rome. Similar to Aventine Hill, because you are outside of the Historic Center you will be a short drive or a long walk away from the big spots in Rome. But what you lose in convenience you gain in less lines, more authenticity and beautiful sights that are off the beaten path.

Hotels in Testaccio:

View from the back of the vespa, down a neighborhood street in Testaccio.
The outside of a park full of trees with a silver gate in the neighborhood of Testaccio.
A street with vespas and orange colored buildings in the neighborhood of Testaccio.
The Pyramid of Caius Cestius that is on the edge of the Testaccio neighborhood.
Street art in the Testaccio neighborhood in Rome which is one of the best places to visit in Rome.

The Bottom Line

Rome is so much more than its monuments. Where you stay shapes your trip just as much as what you see. Whether you’re sipping wine in Trastevere, people-watching in Monti, or indulging in pasta in Testaccio, each neighborhood has its own flavor. Choose the one that matches your travel style, and don’t forget to order another gelato on your way back to the hotel.

Pin this post for your next trip! ↓

STAY UPDATED!

Get the latest travel recaps, honest lessons and can’t miss tips – delivered straight to your inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Hello, friend!

I’m Jess, a nurse-turned-French expat and obsessive trip planner. Here, you’ll find travel inspiration, insider tips, and guides written by someone who color-codes her itineraries.

Read more…

Search the Blog

Snackable Reads

How to Plan an Epic National Park Road Trip

How to Plan an Epic National Park Road Trip

While the COVID era of our lives was pretty crap, it offered me the opportunity to slow down my travel and focus on what was right in front of me. Instead of jetting off to an all-inclusive in Mexico or spending two weeks traipsing around Europe, I was grounded, so to...

Cotswolds Travel Guide: Everything to Know Before You Go

Cotswolds Travel Guide: Everything to Know Before You Go

While London is a big draw and the main reason people travel to England, there is so much more to the country than its capital. Don’t get me wrong, I love London, it’s my favorite city in the world and I’d go back anytime. But limiting yourself to the city is such a...

The Perfect 3, 5, and 7 Day Cotswolds Itinerary

The Perfect 3, 5, and 7 Day Cotswolds Itinerary

If you’re like me, fully committed to all things English and always happy to return to London, you’ve probably considered exploring the countryside at some point. If the Cotswolds haven’t made your list yet, they should. Let this be your introduction, and a little...